As schools embrace technology, parents are fighting for a return to traditional learning methods.
- Parents are opting their kids out of classroom technology due to concerns over distractions.
- Cellphone bans are being implemented in major school districts across the U.S.
- Some parents argue that the shift to digital learning during the pandemic has hindered education.
- Schools are often unwilling or unable to accommodate requests for no-tech education.
- Parents are facing challenges in getting schools to provide a screen-free curriculum.
In recent years, many parents have expressed concerns about the amount of time their children spend on screens in school. With the rise of iPads and laptops in classrooms, some parents are now trying to opt their kids out of using these devices altogether. However, they are discovering that this process is far from straightforward. Major school districts, including those in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, are implementing cellphone bans, but the question remains: what about other screens?nnParents argue that the increased use of technology, particularly during the Covid pandemic, has led to more distractions than educational benefits. Teachers and school administrators, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of technology in modern education, stating that removing devices could disadvantage students and complicate lesson plans.nnOne such parent, Andrea Boyd from West Des Moines, Iowa, has been advocating for less technology in her children’s education. After her son Colin received an iPad in sixth grade, she noticed he was spending excessive time on YouTube instead of focusing on his studies. Despite her requests to have the iPad removed, school officials insisted that it was essential for his education. Boyd has since sought a no-tech curriculum for both her children, but has faced challenges, including being given a teacher’s laptop for math assignments.nnThe Waukee Community School District, where Boyd’s children attend, claims to accommodate families requesting no district-issued devices, but only a few have made such requests. Legal experts note that unless state laws mandate it, schools are not required to allow parents to opt out of technology-based curricula.nnSome parents have even switched their children to private or charter schools that still utilize traditional teaching methods. The request for a screen-free education can add to teachers’ workloads, especially during a time of teacher shortages. Parents like Emily Cherkin in Seattle are also struggling to opt their children out of technology, facing outdated policies and resistance from school officials.nnWhile some parents are adamant about removing technology from their children’s education, others are seeking a compromise. Jodi Carreon in San Diego is advocating for more selective use of technology in classrooms, suggesting that devices should only be used when necessary. She believes that educational technology should be treated as an experiment, requiring proper evaluation of its effectiveness.nnAs the debate over technology in education continues, parents are left navigating a complex landscape, striving to find the best balance for their children’s learning experiences.·
Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article presents a balanced view of parents’ concerns regarding technology use in schools and includes perspectives from both parents and educators. However, it contains some anecdotal evidence and personal opinions that may not represent a broader consensus, which slightly affects its overall factuality.·
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides a detailed account of parents’ concerns regarding the use of technology in schools, highlighting various perspectives and experiences. It raises important questions about the effectiveness of screen-based learning versus traditional methods, and discusses the challenges parents face when trying to opt their children out of technology. However, while it presents personal anecdotes and some expert opinions, it lacks a deeper analysis of long-term trends or systemic implications, which prevents it from achieving a higher score.·
Public Companies: Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Seattle Public Schools (SPS)
Private Companies: Waukee Community School District
Key People: Andrea Boyd (Parent), Aaron Boyd (Parent), Julie Underwood (School-law expert and dean emerita), Noelle Ellerson Ng (Associate executive director of advocacy and governance, School Superintendents Association), Emily Cherkin (Parent and former teacher), Jodi Carreon (Parent)
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses parents’ concerns about the use of technology in schools and their attempts to opt-out of classroom tech, but it does not directly impact financial markets or companies. It is more of an educational issue rather than a financial one.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: The article discusses concerns of parents regarding the use of technology in schools but does not mention any extreme event that occurred in the last 48 hours.·
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: Technology
Direction: Down
Magnitude: Small
Affected Instruments: Stocks
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